Vim & Vigor - Summer 2019 - GMC - 56

ASK THE EXPERT BY LISA L. STAUFFER

Learn more about
Rizwan Bashir, MD

GENES AND STROKE

Rizwan Bashir, MD, Gwinnett Medical Center neurologist
and neuropsychologist, talks about the genetic risks for stroke

Q

Is there a gene that predisposes someone to having a
stroke?
While no specific "stroke" gene has
been identified, there are several genetic
factors that contribute to an individual's
risk of stroke. The best way to identify
these factors is to understand your family
history. Let your medical practitioner
know if you have a family history of high
blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes,
stroke or cardiovascular disease.

Q

In terms of stroke risk, how
does genetic predisposition
interact with environment
and lifestyle?
Being genetically predisposed to any
disease doesn't mean you'll automatically
get that disease.

56

SU M M ER 2 0 1 9

Q

What are the best ways to
prevent stroke?
According to the American
Heart Association, about 80 percent of
clot-related strokes may be preventable.
If you have any of the high-risk factors
I've mentioned, seek treatment and
modify your lifestyle to lower your risk.

WEBSITE

Act Fast
If you ever suspect that you
or a loved one is experiencing
a stroke, do not try to treat
it on your own. Instead, call
an ambulance right away to
initiate the Stroke Alert care
process. To learn more about
GMC's comprehensive, awardwinning stroke services, visit
gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/
stroke.

The earlier you manage your
lifestyle for general good health,
including not smoking and controlling
your blood pressure, weight and
cholesterol, the more you'll lower
your lifetime risk of stroke and other
cardiovascular diseases. ■

LEFT PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

Q

Are some people at higher
risk of stroke?
While stroke can occur at any
age (even in babies), generally, the

older you are, the higher your risk.
Increasingly, though, stroke is happening
to younger people, possibly because
obesity increases the likelihood of high
blood pressure and diabetes.
Stroke is more common in women
than in men. Factors like birth control
pills and pregnancy can increase stroke
risks for women.
In addition to the most common risk
factors, stroke is more likely amongst
people with conditions like sickle cell
disease, atrial fibrillation, peripheral
artery disease or carotid artery disease.
Stroke is also more likely among people
who smoke or are obese.

Dr. Bashir is a
subspecialist who
is board-certified
in neurology and
clinical neurophysiology.
Before joining GMC
as a clinical inpatient
neurologist and neurophysiologist,
he attended medical school at the
University of South Florida College of
Medicine in Tampa, Florida.
He completed his internship in
internal medicine and residency in
neurology at the University of Miami/
Jackson Memorial Hospital.
He then completed a fellowship
in clinical neurophysiology at Emory
University Hospital in Atlanta.
http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/stroke http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/stroke
Vim & Vigor - Summer 2019 - GMC

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